Wednesday NFL Buzz: Rob Gronkowski practices, but status uncertain
Check back throughout the day for all the latest quick-hit news:
Gronk practices, but status uncertain
Rob Gronkowski practiced Wednesday for the New England Patriots after missing last week's game with what the team is calling a chest injury.
The tight end is not expected to play Sunday vs. the New York Jets, according to ESPN.
Gronkowski sat out the Patriots' win over the San Francisco 49ers after suffering the injury the previous week against the Seattle Seahawks.
Quarterback Tom Brady also missed practice with a knee injury.
Jordan returns for Dolphins
Former first-round pick pass rusher Dion Jordan returned to practice for the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday for the first time in nearly two years.
Jordan missed the entire 2015 season while serving a suspension for repeated violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He has spent most of this season on the non-football injury list while recovering from a knee injury.
It’s still unclear if Jordan will be able to play at all for the Dolphins this year, but it’s an encouraging sign that he’s been cleared to practice. He hasn’t played in a game since the final week of the 2014 season.
“That would be a welcome addition, for sure,” defensive end Cameron Wake told Paste BN Sports Wednesday about Jordan’s potential return.
The Dolphins have three weeks to decide whether or not to activate Jordan for the remainder of the season. Wednesday’s practice was the first time for the Dolphins’ new coaching staff to see Jordan do anything other than rehab.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said coaches had no expectations for Jordan in his return to the practice field other than learning what sort of shape he’s in.
“We just want to see him practice, and hopefully he can help us this year. If not, he can help us next year,” Joseph said Wednesday.
- Lindsay H. Jones
Two Packers out for season
The injury-depleted Green Bay Packers won't be getting two key starters back.
Both running back Eddie Lacy (ankle) and cornerback Sam Shields (concussion) will remain on injured reserve and miss the rest of the season, coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday.
Fox: Cutler not out for season
Chicago Bears coach John Fox countered reports that quarterback Jay Cutler will miss the rest of the rest of the season, but he offered no specifics on the injury.
"It's not season-ending, contrary to the reports you hear," Fox said Wednesday.
NFL Network reported Tuesday that Cutler had what was believed to be a torn labrum.
The team officially signed David Fales, who was waived before the season.
With Brian Hoyer already on injured reserve with a broken left forearm, Matt Barkley is the only other quarterback on the active roster.
Watkins to return to practice
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins returned to practice on Wednesday after missing nearly two months of action with an injured foot.
Bills general manager Doug Whaley made the announcement on WGR-AM on Wednesday morning.
Watkins, who had surgery in the offseason to repair a broken bone in his foot, hasn’t played since Week 2, a game against the New York Jets where he had a noticeable limp. He was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 30.
Watkins is eligible to return for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, although Whaley said Watkins' status for the contest had net been determined. Teams are allowed to bring one player back from IR each season, a decision that must be made within 21 days of a player’s return to practice.
- A.J. Perez